Family, Friends and Supporter Resources

When someone you know decides to study abroad, you may have a lot of questions as
well. The MSU Study Abroad Team is here to support students through the entire process,
and we encourage you to read more about the phases on the Your Study Abroad webpage. The Study Abroad Office purposefully communicates with students directly
as this is the student's study abroad experience. We are happy to answer general questions
about study abroad and the information below will give you a better understanding
of how studying abroad works through Montana State University.

Phases of the Study Abroad Experience

Phase

General Information

Phase 1 - Learning More

This phase can start even before a student enrolls at MSU and continues until a student
is ready to apply.

Phase 2 - Application Process

Students apply one semester before they intend to study abroad. Typical Deadlines:

Spring - September 15

Fall/Summer - March 15

Phase 3 - Funding

Many students begin saving for study abroad early. Scholarship opportunities can be
viewed here. Students receiving Federal Financial Aid must submit the Study Abroad Budget and Financial Aid Agreement forms to Financial Aid 60 days prior to departure.

Phase 4 - Credits & Courses

After students are accepted to the host university, they may complete the Study Abroad Course Approval Form with their Academic Advisor. It can be submitted anytime prior to departure.

Phase 5 - Prior to departure

All students studying abroad will be required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation,
typically held half-way through the semester. After students are accepted to the host
university, they may need to apply for housing and a student visa.

Phase 6 - While Abroad

Students are encouraged to keep in touch with MSU Study Abroad through social media
while abroad, and we are available to assist should anything arise.

Phase 7 - Re-Entry

Returning from a study abroad experience can be challenging and MSU Study Abroad offers
guidance on re-entry.

Most students at MSU are over 18 years old, which means their privacy is protected
under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Unless a student gives the Study Abroad Office consent, we cannot speak with anyone about a student's study abroad program. Students give consent by
completing the FERPA Consent Form on their online Study Abroad account. If you have
questions regarding a student's program, please check with the student first and confirm
you are listed as an approved individual on their FERPA form.

Montana State University is proud to offer 250 study abroad programs in over 60 countries.
The diversity of programs gives students the opportunity to find the best fit for
them academically, financially, and personally. Below is a chart comparing the types
of programs available.

Students have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the courses they take abroad.
MSU does not require that students take courses within their major while abroad, but
they are encouraged to do so to stay on track with graduation timelines. The following
are general considerations for students coursework abroad.

Topic

Information

Course Selection Abroad

Students work with their academic advsiors to complete the Study Abroad Course Approval form prior to departure. Students must be enrolled in the equivalent of 12 U.S. credits
during a semester. Short term programs will vary in credit amount.

Grades

All grades transfer to MSU as Pass/Fail

Transcripts

Transcript processing depends on the host university and can take up to a year after
a student returns to MSU. Approved courses are listed as upper or lower electives
on MSU transcript. Exceptions Managers of academic department approving course equivalencies
must enter exceptions on Degree Works.